Biden and Harris Console Parents of Slain Hostage, Condemn Hamas Brutality

US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with the parents of American-Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin on Sunday, following the tragic news of his murder by Hamas terrorists. Goldberg-Polin, who was abducted during the October 7 invasion of southern Israel, was one of six hostages killed after nearly 11 months in captivity.

The White House did not disclose details of the conversations with Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Jon Polin, who have been prominent advocates for the release of their son and other hostages. However, Harris shared on X (formerly Twitter), "Doug and I just spoke to Jon and Rachel, Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s parents, to express our condolences following the brutal murder of their son by Hamas terrorists. My heart breaks for their pain and anguish."

Harris assured the family that they were not alone in their grief, emphasizing that the entire nation mourns with them. "As is said in the Jewish tradition, may Hersh’s memory be a blessing," she added.

In response to the tragic loss, Biden and other Western leaders expressed their horror at the murder of the hostages. Biden released a statement saying he was "devastated and outraged" by the killing of Goldberg-Polin, extending his deepest condolences to the family. The president, who has built a personal connection with the family over the past year, vowed that Hamas leaders would be held accountable for their crimes. "We will keep working around the clock for a deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages," Biden declared.

The international community also responded with shock and condemnation. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, European Union diplomat Josep Borrell, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres all took to social media to express their horror at the killings and call for a ceasefire to end the suffering.

At a vigil held at the Hostages and Missing Families Forum headquarters in Tel Aviv, US Ambassador Jack Lew shared heartfelt condolences with the families of the hostages, stressing that the US government is actively pursuing a hostages-for-ceasefire deal. "For weeks, we’ve been saying that time is of the essence. Last night, we saw we’re already in overtime," Lew remarked.

As the situation in Gaza remains dire, Harris reiterated that Hamas must be eradicated. "Hamas is an evil terrorist organization," she stated. "With these murders, Hamas has even more American blood on its hands. I strongly condemn Hamas’ continued brutality, and so must the entire world."

The ongoing hostage crisis has left 97 hostages still in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 33 confirmed dead. Hamas continues to hold seven American citizens, three of whom have been confirmed dead. The international community remains focused on securing the release of the remaining hostages while condemning Hamas's actions as a gross violation of human rights.

As negotiations continue, the global community stands in solidarity with the families of the hostages, demanding justice and the safe return of their loved ones.

Let us continue to stand with Israel and the victims of terror. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.